The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Women’s XIII will take on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Women’s Rugby League team this Sunday in an international invitational match, forming part of an exciting double-header ahead of the Hostplus Cup Round 13 fixture between the SP PNG Hunters and the Sunshine Coast Falcon Jets. The current squad in camp includes standout players from the 2024 Santos Cup and NRL Bid Championships, many of whom are considered national prospects. Head Coach Tahnee Norris today announced Belinda Gwasamun and Leila Kerowa as co-captains for the upcoming match, expressing confidence in their leadership. “Belinda and Leila bring valuable experience…
Author: Paula DAVID
The Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration has made notable progress in restoring government services and rebuilding public confidence following a prolonged political deadlock that spanned from 2012 to 2018. This development was underscored by Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los during the official handover of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs yesterday. The submission of the report fulfills a statutory obligation under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government (1995). Mr. Los acknowledged that the extended political impasse had significantly disrupted the delivery of essential services, displaced public…
As Tuberculosis continues to increase on a daily basis with over 120 people getting infected every single day, Minister for Health Elias Kapavore launched the “PNG National TB Summit 2025”, declaring the country at war to fight and eliminate TB in PNG by 2035. The TB summit scheduled for August 12-14th of this year, will start of firstly with a TB fundraiser dinner that’s set for the 30th of July as a start towards the TB program to address it and reduce it. “So why not, on the 30th of July, all the members of parliament and partners show up…
In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) recently, 340 students from Rumginae Primary School in the Western province took part in a massive clean-up and awareness drive, encouraging locals to take responsibility for their rubbish and reduce pollution. The students participated in a cleanathon, tree planting, and showcased drawings and sculptures using recycled plastic to promote this year’s global theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.” Their efforts aimed to inspire the Rumginae station and surrounding communities to adopt better waste habits. Teacher in charge of WED program Ms. Natasha James said clean environment can be maintained if people change their attitudes and…
The National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) joined forces with staff and students of New Erima Primary School to commemorate World No Tobacco Day recently, spotlighting the dangers of tobacco and the tactics used by the tobacco industry targeting young people both nationally and globally. Tobacco is a harmful product that poses serious health risks. Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Amos Lano, explained that nicotine is highly toxic and dangerous. “Nicotine builds up in the lungs over time, causing lung cancer, contributing to hypertension, slowing a child’s growth and development, and leading to other diseases,” Dr. Lano…
With support from developing partners, the national Department of Health lunched today the National Health Digital Strategy 2025-2023, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Digital Toolkits, the national ICT Policy 2024-230 and the certification presentation of PNG’s Elimination of Trachoma ceremony. Minister for Health Elias Kapavore began by thanking key partners — including WHO, the Australian High Commission, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other donors — for their continued support. He urged all PHA leaders to work together to ensure vital medical services are accessible and that every patient receives the care they deserve. He emphasized that during the three-day…
With child malnutrition and violence at alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, a new partnership between UNICEF and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) aims to bring hope and action to families across the country. UNICEF’s Dr Veera Mendonca says the country is at a tipping point with over 80% of children face violence at home, half are malnourished, and too many lack access to vaccines and basic services. In response, UNICEF and PNGCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilize churches nationwide. Through their powerful networks, churches will promote positive parenting, support child nutrition, push for…
With the deadline fast approaching for the submission of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPRs), the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has mobilized officers to assist provinces that are behind in their reporting responsibilities. As part of this initiative, DPLGA Technical Officer Anton Make is currently in Wabag, providing week-long technical assistance to the Enga Provincial Administration. His mission includes delivering refresher trainings, conducting induction sessions, and facilitating one-on-one consultations with key public servants to enhance their capacity in compiling and submitting the APPRs, as mandated under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial…
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced today the re-appointment of Tahnee Norris as the head coach for the PNG national women’s team, the Santos Orchids. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina expressed his enthusiasm for Norris’ return, confirming that she will continue in the role for an extended two-year term leading into the world cup 2026. He stated that Tahnee’s appointment is not only for the week of the campaign for the Pacific Championships or the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but the commitment to growth. “The Board had a meeting and vetted and she has the…
The 2025 Santos Cup pre-season officially began this week with the inaugural Santos Cup Football Conference, held from 3–5 June in Port Moresby. This milestone event brings together key personnel involved in the competition, including coaches, team managers, referees, medical trainers, and physiotherapists, for capacity-building workshops ahead of the season. Santos has retained the naming rights sponsors for 2025 Season and the Santos Cup competition is set to begin on 02nd of August to the 14th of September. Club Franchises participating in the 2025 season include Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Gas Resource Central Dabaris, Lae Snax Tigers, Moni Plus Port Moresby…